Dr Donna O'Kane

I graduated in 1996 and have advanced skills in Anaesthetics, obstetrics and paediatrics. I have a wonderful husband and twin boys who have experienced all the incredible aspects growing up and living in remote indigenous communities with me.
 
I’m currently a full time SRG working in Papunya, visiting Ikuntji weekly. Having spent the past 15 years working and living predominately in Weipa, Groote Eylandt and Borroloola.
I believe heavily in self-care, and have taken extended time to travel the world, work in Tonga and support my children through year 12.
 
RACGP - ‘What a bloody privilege’: Dr O’Kane’s tale of rural medicine
 

I read an article on a Remote GP working in Antarctica, when I was in year 8 at school, it sparked a passion for adventure, travel and practicing medicine in isolated locations that I never lost.
 

I grew up on a farm in rural Victoria, complete freedom, roaming the Murray River and Orchard from dawn to dusk.  I’m a girl from the bush and was all destined to be a remote GP.  I have a connection to country and a deep aversion to shopping and cities.

I love the simplicity of life and being part of the community. I love working with great teams in community based primary health care clinics. Driving the 4WD or flying in small planes to visit out outstations is exciting. But having the whole swimming pool to myself every morning to swim laps is a big tick.

Helping to coordinate the Deadly Heart Trek's visit to Papunya and Ikuntji. We found 7 new cases of Rheumatic Heart Disease in our primary age kids.

To support rural Gps in the NT and help grow and encourage the next generation rural Doctors. I’m hoping to be a positive role model and breakdown/ explore some of the barriers that prevent doctors working in remote communities.

RACGP - ‘What a bloody privilege’: Dr O’Kane’s tale of rural medicine